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Iowa Senate backs Medicaid expansion legislation

Lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled state Senate have approved legislation that would expand Medicaid in Iowa.

Senators backed the bill in a party-line vote Monday. They argue that expanding Medicaid would provide better health coverage to more low-income Iowa residents.

Republican Gov. Terry Branstad continues to oppose growing Medicaid. He says the cost is unsustainable for the federal government and has questioned the long-term cost for the state.

Branstad has proposed revamping an existing health program for low-income residents that is funded through state and federal dollars.

If Iowa expanded Medicaid, the federal government would pay the full cost for new enrollees during the first three years of the expansion. Then 10 percent of the cost would gradually be shifted to the state.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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